Contracts and Payer Relations Specialist

Position Summary:

The Contract & Payer Relations Specialist provides operational support for the administration of the organization's contract portfolio, payer relations activities, contract implementation, reimbursement research, reporting, and contract management systems. The position supports the Contract & Payer Relations Manager in maintaining efficient contract operations, facilitating payer implementation activities, and supporting organizational growth initiatives.

This full time role pays $55,000 to $65,000 non-exempt and over time eligible.

This position is mostly remote in North Carolina with intermittent travel to our offices in the state. You must reside in a commutable distance to one of our office locations. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain and organize contract records, electronic files, databases, and supporting documentation.
• Track contract renewals, amendments, notice periods, effective dates, and implementation requirements.
• Coordinate contract routing, execution, and approval workflows. Maintain contract tracking tools and contract lifecycle management systems, including supporting implementation and ongoing administration of Contract Solutions.
• Prepare contract summaries, reports, dashboards, and other management reporting tools.
• Monitor payer communications, policy updates, reimbursement changes, and operational notices.
• Support routine payer communications and issue resolution activities under the direction of the Contract & Payer Relations Manager.
• Research contract provisions and gather supporting documentation to support management review, contract negotiations, and implementation activities.
• Assist with resolving reimbursement and contract implementation issues.
• Maintain reimbursement documentation and contract-related records, including distribution of executed contracts, amendments, and rate updates to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate communication of contract changes and reimbursement updates to impacted departments.
• Collaborate with Operations, Revenue Cycle, Finance, Compliance, Credentialing, Quality Management, and program leadership to support contract administration activities.
• Participate in EHR implementation activities related to contract documentation, operational readiness, workflow development, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Assist with audits, compliance reviews, and departmental projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Legal Studies, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years of experience in healthcare contracting, contract administration, payer relations, revenue cycle, healthcare operations, or related functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Legal Studies, or related field.
• Experience with healthcare contracting and managed care organizations.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems.
• Experience supporting healthcare technology implementations.
• Experience in Behavioral Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services.
• Knowledge of healthcare contracts, payer structures, and reimbursement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret contractual and operational information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.

Essential physical requirements:

• Must possess the visual acuity to develop written correspondence and determine accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of talking, hearing, sitting for long periods of time and performing repetitive motions, such as using a computer.
• Must be able to speak audibly, write legibly and perform repetitive motions such as data entry.

Working Environment and Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Join Us?  

As a part of our mission, we help our team members embrace their potential, build resilience, and thrive! You will benefit from ongoing professional growth and development as you work alongside leaders of clinical excellence in mental health and substance use services that care about your success. 

We also offer a full benefits package for benefits-eligible positions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary between $55,000-$65,000 for this full-time, non-exempt and over time eligible position
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Life and Disability Insurance(company paid)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan 
• Employee Assistance Program and legal services support 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer  

Ready to Apply? 

Join a team where work isn’t just something you do — it’s a purpose. Bring your expertise to a mission that matters. Apply now at www.eastersealsPORT.com or send your resume to recruiter@eastersealsPORT.com. 

**Voted Raleigh’s Best Nonprofit Organization and Raleigh’s Best Mental Health Services two years in a row!**

About Easterseals PORT Health  

Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy and compassionate partner, providing exceptional services in disability, mental health, and substance use to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication, and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our 2,600-member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults, and families in 11,000 home, facility, and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.  

Easterseals PORT Health is an Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self, and Learning and Growing (IDEAL) organization.   

Applicants of all abilities are encouraged to apply!